Share this:

We have been having a little fun along the way, and possibly one of the most hectic Januarys on record….

The DFC grayling social, a great write up with Kris Kent and John Grindle in Total Flyfisher, then a day with Dominic Garnett and Neil Keep prepping an article about the history of the famous DFC for FF & FT…

Share this:

Conditions were ideal for this winters Frome redd count, our “Casterbridge Fisheries” team were able to walk the whole catchment mapping the spawning salmon and sea trout, here is a snippet of our report..

1.0 Summary

Casterbridge Fisheries carried out a complete migratory salmonid redd count on the River Frome catchment between 3rd January and 13th January 2017.

Below average rainfall resulted in relatively stable river levels throughout the first two weeks of January. This allowed the teams to progress efficiently. One high flow event occurred, which delayed redd counting for a single day. However, with careful observation of weather forecasts and gauging weirs, it was possible to carry out a full count of the Frome under favourable conditions, although the lower Frome, below Bovington, was again carrying suspended solids as was the Tadnoll Brook, thus high-lighting the sediment issues in the Frome which is a concern.

A total count of 341 migratory salmonid redds were recorded, the majority being over the size threshold for salmon redds (2.0 Methodology). Results show a good spawning range on the main river, with Salmon redds recorded up to the centre of Maiden Newton. Salmon and sea trout redds were not seen on the River Cerne, Sydling Brook, Hooke and South Winterbourne, indicating these water courses were not utilised under these low flow conditions.

As in previous years, it was noted that the size of some of the salmon, was surprisingly small; in the 4-5lb range. As a result, some of the redds cut by these fish were below the size threshold expected, and this must be taken into account when interpreting the size data recorded in the Appendices.

There was no evidence of barriers to fish migration, nor extensive overcutting of redds.

A bottle of your favourite tipple, or grab a drink from the Wise Man Inn

Bring along any of your unwanted tackle, flies and books to sell on the second hand tackle table, and if you would like to have a stand (FOC), just give me a ring 01305 257490 or ping me an email – john@riverworks.co.uk

News on meetings coming over this winter. Could you please avoid parking in the pub car park, use the village hall car park, in front of the pub or please park at our house (The Dairy House, map at the bottom of this link) just a short walk from the village. Entrance for this winters gatherings will again be free of charge.